The Role of Imaging in Otolaryngology
Armstrong's epigram, written in the 18th century, is perhaps even more applicable to medicine today. The ability to see, and see extensively and accurately, "from the life," is critical for all surgeons, and especially for otolaryngologists. Radiologists have sought to enhance specialists' ability to see clearly and to understand more fully the otolaryngologic anatomy.Consequently, imaging has become increasingly more important in surgery. With the advent of computed tomography and the cross-sectional display of anatomy, visual information depicting soft tissues and bony structures has undergone significant advances. Such improved images have given surgeons much more detailed information regarding anatomy and pathology.Magnetic resonance imaging offered further enhancements through its greater soft-tissue resolution and its finer differentiation between diseased and